‘Well, I do,’ said Sir Felix.  ’A lot of fellows owe me money, but it’s so hard to get it.’

‘That tells a story of gambling,’ said Mr Melmotte.  ’You think I’d give my girl to a gambler?’

‘Nidderdale’s in it quite as thick as I am.’

’Nidderdale has a settled property which neither he nor his father can destroy.  But don’t you be such a fool as to argue with me.  You won’t get anything by it.  If you’ll write that letter here now—­’

‘What;—­to Marie?’

’No;—­not to Marie at all; but to me.  It need never be known to her.  If you’ll...